Bantam Cougars Ready For Competition

The Chatham-Kent Cougars bantam football team begin their OFC season this weekend. The Cougars are expecting to be a competitive group, and according to head coach Scott Barko, his group is excited for the team to hit the field.

“Coming together this season is an amazing group of gentlemen,” said Barko. “With 33 players on the roster, you should look forward to watching them play not only as players, but as team mates coming together on the field, facing their opponents with heads held up high.”

The Bantam Cougars offense has a strong core of athletes who will be led by quarterback Drew Barko, who enters his first season as the starting quarterback. The back field is a full stable, with fleet footed Brendon Benoit and Koren Stewart, who are complimented by RB/SB, receiver Luke Rupert and receiver Riley Benoot. A young group of offensive lineman are led by center James Bond and tight ends Lawton and Bennett Hart.

Head coach Barko also noted Noble Stonefish, Cameron Sanderson, Lucas Miller, Jude Pearson, Brayden Charbonneau, and Ethan Chenier-Lane on their defensive line as valuable pieces to their puzzle.

The Bantam Cougars’ coaching staff, headed by Scott Barkom, also includes Mike Smith (offensive coach), Paul John Pearson (defensive coach), Matt Hart (line coach), and Assistant coach Griffin Peltier.

“Each of these men bring an amazing amount of knowledge to field,” said Barko. “Through not only years of coaching, but also their own experiences on the field.”

The Chatham-Kent Bantam Cougars kick off their schedule this Saturday May 28 at 12:00pm in Chatham against the Forest City Thunderbirds. According to Barko, the group will be a force on the field and exciting to watch.

“Watching this bantam team from the side lines is amazing. To hear the clang of their equipment and to see the sheer determination on the players faces. Certainly this will be a force to reckon with.”